Going in on friday and scared to wits end

Hi again

by bucky - 2016-11-12 14:36:31

As a woman I am also concerned and I see some of you also area about clothing and seat belts rubbing on the incision and pacemaker.  My concern that I mentioned to the doc is I had a bilateral masectomy 5 years ago and have no so called extra skin to make this as comfortable and concealed as possible and for comfort of things rubbing on it constantly.  Anyone else have a problem with this, or maby someone really thin and small....Is there any way to have it put someplace else than right under the collar bone?  thanks!

Thanks AngrySparrow

by bucky - 2016-11-12 17:00:22

Thanks for answering!  Lol.  I chose for expense reasons not to have implants, so  now after your great idea, I can get an inexpensive one and wear it on the outside.  What a hoot!  Im petrified about this upcoming surgery--I thought I was used to doctors taking my body parts unfortunatley, but not giving me ones with batteries to keep me alive.  This is freakier than my breast cancer if you can believe that.  I dont understand why I have to be awake when the put the leads into my heart expecially!  Do they ask you to do things---is this the reason?  Do they tick and make noise? Iam still needing shock therapy here.  When did you have yours? Any input on if it made you feel better cause Im feeling awful, or how long it took to start feeling better?  Also, I see everyone has a chat signal and a message signal after their names.  Im not real computer literate--so am I showing that Im on line...?thanks again

Normal

by Grateful Heart - 2016-11-12 20:43:01

Your fears and concerns are normal.  We are here to reassure you.  You've been through a lot already.  A good attitude helps in recovery..... that is half the battle.  Acceptance is key...I'm sure you've got that covered too. 

Everyone is different but you should feel much better after the pacemaker implant.  The PM will take care of the SSS and brady (low heart rate).  You are sedated during the surgery so not exactly awake and you shouldn't feel anything.

No, the PM's do not tick or make noise....good question though.  Some models will make a noise or vibrate when the battery needs changing  but that should not be for at least a few years. 

It's a shock to most of us when we find out we need a PM.  I have had mine for almost 8 years....the same device. 

Some members have it placed under the muscle and sometimes the stomach if necessary.  Speak to your doc.

Yes, you are online and won't see the icons next to your own name.  

Try to stay calm.....easier said then done....I know.  Keep busy until Friday....it will be here before you know it.   Good luck and keep us posted.

Grateful Heart

Thanks Grateful Heart

by bucky - 2016-11-12 21:14:41

I didnt know if anyone could see I was on or not--lol.  thanks for the positive news for my questions.  I feel very lost and dont know what to ask.  I mentioned the fact to the doc about where hes going to put it for comfort to me and he said dont worry, Ill find someplace.  Like you said, saying dont worry is easier said than done.  Im trying to keep busy and take my mnd off f this but Im so tired and have s   uch a head ache, I cant seem to finish anything I start.   Oh, poor me.  ha  ha.  Do you have to stil take a lot of meds and go to the doc all the time?  Gosh, I hope not and I hope I dont have to.  I was wondeering why they keep you awake--i thought they asked you questions or omething--I dont mind watching--Ive watched the dye test and a few scopes.  I dont knock out easy and always end up awake half way through...are you happy with your results?  Do you still have the origional battery? I read they have to relace it insted of just putting in a battery when the battery dies--bummer!  Does yours have the chip so they can tweek it?  Does your heart beat really fast still if you get scared.... like a normal heart?  Im sorry--so many questions. Im so glad I foun dyou guys.  I will let you know how I do, and you stay healthy also!  thanks again!

Ask again about placement if you want to know

by Grateful Heart - 2016-11-12 22:40:24

Your doctor should be able to tell you where he is planning on placing it.  At least have the discussion about your concerns.

I didn't know about this site or anyone who had a pacemaker.  Like you, I didn't know what to ask and I was in shock.  I thought they must be wrong....so I went for a 2nd opinion.  That EP confirmed it and offered to do the job.  That didn't sit right with me so I declined and instead went with the EP that I had not yet met.  Talk about blind faith!  LOL....  But I'm glad I did. 

Yes, I am still on meds. and probably will be for life. 

I'm supposed to see the cardiologist every 3-4 months....sometimes 6.  I'm doing very well so they're not worried about it.  I see another cardio as well once a year now.  I see the device tech every 3 months for a defib check.  They check your device with a programmer (computer) and it downloads your info.  Ask for a copy when they check your device, it gives you a lot of info.  Some is self-explanatory and some you can ask here for help to decipher if you want.

I've watched the dye test too and spoke with the doctor during it.  I found it fascinating. 

Tell your doctor beforehand if you don't knockout easy....they should know that so they can make sure you are comfortable.

I do have the original device...I'm shooting for 10 years! 

When they replace your battery, they replace the entire device.  It is all one unit, hermetically sealed.  The leads (wires) will remain in place and they just replace the device.  It is a little but mighty computer so they all can be tweaked.  That's how they make adjustments....with the computer.

Yes, my heart beats fast if I get scared....LOL.  Your heart will increase with movement or activity....just like a normal heart.

Yes, I am very happy with my results.  My heart has improved greatly, I am very lucky.  I have a great medical team....extremely important in my opinion.  

Thanks, you stay healthy as well.  

Grateful Heart         

Ifeel I have a good team also

by bucky - 2016-11-12 23:03:26

And I think its important but was real surprised that the cryo ablasion only lasted 3 years or less.  I was put on sotalol first and I didnt get along well with that at all, but they kept me on it for 3 months anyway.  I didnt know if my heart would have feelings or if it would be set to stay the same rate and pulse...all the time? I think mines broken and wont ever be fixed all the way. I lst my son at age 41, 5 years ago dec 4th, and I thought Ide die.  we were home painting business partners, and had the best rapore (sp). and we were the best of friends.  Im so sorry he never had children for me to hug and love...   It just broke my heart--literally!  thanks for the info!  Im learning so much just from finding this chat today!  Yeahhh!  You rock!

I'm sorry

by Grateful Heart - 2016-11-12 23:41:26

I'm sorry about your son, I can not imagine.  You are a very strong woman. 

Needing a pacemaker is scary at first but you will be fine.  You are a survivor is so many ways.....you got this!

Grateful Heart  

Comfort of seat belts

by AddieJ - 2016-11-13 13:00:53

Amazon carries seat belt covers that are super comfortable when velcroed around the strap that crosses the chest.  There are several different models, they are inexpensive, and everyone regardless of implants, etc. finds them comfortable.  

Scared

by Cajun Girl - 2016-11-16 01:25:33

I don't think there is anyone more afraid then me and I am an RN.  After having been awake 3 weeks prior for the insertion of a loop recorder, I did not want to be awake for the removal of the loop recorder and the insertion of the PM and 2 leads.  A different MD had to be called in because the 1st one did not insert PM.  When the doc came in the room I asked if he would put me to sleep.  He laughed and said that in 25 years he had never used anesthesia for insertion of a PM.    I asked could I be his first and he laughed.  10 minutes after he left the room anesthesia came in and I was asleep for the procedure.

My PM is under the muscle.  Has only been about 2 months now. It was needed due to SSS and severe bradycardia.

The pain was minimal - ice to area relieved it.  I can now sleep on either side but the area is tender to touch.

Can't say I feel any better due to other medical conditions that I have.  

Praying all goes well with your surgery and you have a speedy recovery.

Hi Cajun Girl

by bucky - 2016-11-16 12:37:12

I have the same problem as you with a-fib and am supposed to get a 2 wire pm on friday but my ins still isnt coming thru with an approval and i need to go for bloodwork today which will be my bill if they dont come thru before the bloodwork. Doc doesnt want me to cancell, he said I need it done and if I have to fight over the bill--do it after I have it done.  Easier said than done.  So youre not feeling much better?  How long before you didnt feel the need to ice the area?  I want to be prepared.  do they give you a script for pain to go home with?  dont know what to have here--extra strength tylenol maby but that never does squat.  wish I didnt have this hanging over my head adding to my stress!  Thanks for your input and prayers.  Prayers for you also!